Ashridge MBAs gets iPads as part of the course

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Ashridge Business School in the UK has given iPads to all participants enrolling on its full-time MBA programme in 2011, in a move to reduce the environmental impact of paper-based text books and case studies. Previously, participants would have started their programme by being given an introductory manual and course presentation notes, and they would have used their own laptops or one of Ashridge’s desktop PCs.

Though stealing a march on the big brand schools, Ashridge has been able to implement the scheme rapidly because it enrolled just 22 students on its full-time programme in January. The average Ashridge MBA is older than most MBA students, with each having an average of 12 years work experience before enrolling on the programme. Some 40 per cent of the incoming class at Ashridge are women.

As well as helping to promote sustainability at the school, the iPad initiative is designed to make learning easier, according to MBA director Ilze Zandvoort. “iPads offer a perfect platform for bringing technological innovation into our classroom”.